Stable, peaceful ties between India and China are important: PM Modi

In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a range of topics including the upcoming elections, democracy, freedom of the press, and relations with China and Pakistan, among other issues.

While addressing the India-China border dispute, Modi labelled the relations with China as "important and significant" and also highlighted the significance of stable ties. 

"It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world."

"I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders," PM Modi added. 

Also Read | Delhi Court rejects Kejriwal's request for additional time with lawyers

During the interview, PM Modi also rejected the claims of discrimination against religious minorities in India. He underscored his government's commitment to equitable development and also pointed out extending welfare schemes to all citizens.

"These are usual tropes of some people who don't bother to meet people outside their bubbles. Even India's minorities don't buy this narrative anymore. Minorities from all religions, be it Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains or even a micro-minority like Parsis are living happily and thriving in India," PM Modi said. 

Also Read | Tesla's Elon Musk to meet PM Modi in India, may announce investment plans: Report

"For the first time in our country, our government has come up with a unique saturation coverage approach when it comes to schemes and initiatives. They are not restricted for a group of people belonging to a particular community or a geography."

PM Modi, while commenting on the upcoming elections, said that the current government has a track record of fulfilling the promises it made to the people of the country. 

Watch | India's top court slams Patanjali over misleading advertisements, rejects Ramdev's apology

"It was a big thing for the people, as they were used to promises never being fulfilled." Modi during the interview also hailed India's democratic ethos and the vital role of media in fostering public discourse. 

"There are a few people in India and in the West who have lost [connection with] the people of India—their thought processes, feelings and aspirations. These people also tend to live in their own echo chamber of alternate realities. They conflate their own dissonance with the people with dubious claims of diminishing media freedom," he said. 

Apart from this, Modi also touched upon issues such as climate action, India's renewable energy initiatives, commitment to sustainability, India's attractiveness for global investments, the nation as a manufacturing hub, UPI, Quad, and on relations with Pakistan. 

(With inputs from agencies)